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Friday, March 9, 2007
Software: when it’s free, it’s for me
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I learned everything I need to know about buying software at the grocery store.
My family usually buys store brands rather than more expensive brand-name products. In most cases, it saves money and the food tastes just as good.
In the computer world, there are programs and Web sites that work just as well, and sometimes better, than the big-brand products. And, sure, sometimes it’s best to go for a brand name - just as is true at times at the grocery store.
Today, I offer a shopping list with plenty of free programs as well as some of the name-brand stuff.
Anti-virus: You can easily go free here. I’ve touted Grisoft’s AVG many times, and I’m glad to do it again. Not only will you get a fine antivirus program, you’ll never pay subscription fees for updates. I’ve been impressed by the performance and by the frequency with which the company updates the free product. You can download the program here Please note that this program is only free to home users and can only be installed on a single computer for free.
Anti-spyware: Here’s a time when free is for me, but there are commercial offerings worth considering. I’ve used SpyBot Search & Destroy, download it here: for a long time. It works fine for me. And it’s free. I’ll stick with SpyBot, but there may be better programs if you’re willing to pay. One that has received terrific reviews is Spy Sweeper, read about it here. It’s a judgment call: Go with the free product or pay about $30 for a program that performs a bit better.
Office software: I wish I could recommend free software for this, but I can’t. If word processing and spreadsheets or presentations are a big part of what you do, stick with Microsoft Office. There is a free alternative that you can download here Open Office It has plenty of fans. But I’ve seen instances where it could not open a word processing file I needed. For those who simply want to write documents and are not worried about compatibility, it’s a noble free effort. For others, stick with the brand names.
Web browser: All my favorite choices are free. I like Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 7 just fine. But some readers have had difficulties after installing it. There’s a safe and free alternative called Firefox. You can download this nifty browser here. Just as is true with Microsoft’s product, it’s free. Internet Explorer is by far the most common browser out there. But if you ask a geek, you’re likely to find a Firefox fan.
An inside view. I can set you free here with a program that has all the answers. Do you stutter and stammer when a tech support person asks what version of software you are using, or wants details of the hardware you use? There’s an easy way to find out almost every answer, no matter how technical. Just download Belarc Advisor here: You’ll sound like an instant expert even if you aren’t.
Close the windows: I like Windows Vista a lot, though it helps that I run it on a relatively fast computer with plenty of RAM and a $250 video card. I’m not about to change to a free version. But for those of you with an older computer that has trouble meeting the specifications for Vista, or those who just don’t like Windows, there’s a free substitute worth considering. If you’re ready for a little high-tech adventure, follow this link and read about it. Then, to get your feet wet, download the program to a CD. You can try it directly from the CD without installing it - a low-risk way to find out if it’s for you. If you like it, as many do, just install it on your computer and say goodbye to Windows.
For special occasions: It’s likely there will be a time when you need a program for a one-time use. Before you spend big bucks, try these two sites: Tucows or Download.com You’ll find a search feature that will offer free or inexpensive programs for download in almost any category that you can name. If you need a program to create flash cards for the kids, or something that will calculate the board feet of lumber required for your new deck, trying to find a free program makes a lot of sense.
OK, I’m heading for the grocery. And with all the money I save on software, I may even try some of the high-priced spread.
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